Humphrey hired to lead town’s economic efforts

DURHAM — The town of Durham has hired Mary Ellen Humphrey as its part-time economic development director, a new position created in the town’s recent budget.

Humphrey, of Rochester, held a similar position with the city of Rochester.

The town has budgeted $50,000 from its Urban Development Action Grant account in 2014 to pay for this position. The job is 24 hours a week and it pays $35 an hour.

“The areas this position will focus upon includes economic development, strategy building, business and outreach support, and that will include look at existing businesses as well as bringing in new businesses. We were looking for very specific characteristics,” Selig said.

Economic Development Committee Chair Ute Luxem, Councilor Carden Welsh, Director of Planning & Community Development Michael Behrendt and Administrator Todd Selig narrowed the nine applicants down and held three interviews last week before selecting Humphrey.

“Mary Ellen is a really interesting person,” Selig said. “She was in the New Hampshire state senate years ago, she has a terrific diverse background, and comes with tremendous references. The Rochester Chamber and the Rochester Main Street Program were both very complimentary of her efforts in the city of Rochester.”

Humphrey is currently the economic development specialist in Rochester, and has held that position since 2010. She has also created several programs to benefit the city of Rochester. In addition, she was a state senator for two years, and also spent four years as a state representative. She earned her master’s degree in education at Plymouth State University.

“I’m really excited about it,” Humphrey said.”Everyone that I’ve met has been really nice. I think this community is going to be a wonderful place to work.”

Humphrey is scheduled to start on August 18, once the Town Hall construction is finished.